Water Towers and Standpipes of the United States of America. Sponsored by "Understanding Your Home" by building inspector Mark Visser Decatur - Texas Wise County. Photo © Mark Visser ..... Tower Information -L Location: E. Thompson Street Tower signage: Built: Height: Capacity: Tower Information - R Tower signage: Decatur Built: Height: Capacity: Missing tower data: Please contact us if you have more information. Area Information In 1856 the Texas Legislature established Wise County and directed that a county seat be placed within five miles of the center.  Absolam Bishop, the "father" of  Decatur, was charged with locating and laying out the plans. Bishop, loving the outlay of McKinney, decided to copy its plan and use it for Decatur.  The city was laid out and originally named Taylorsville after Gen. Zachary Taylor.  Bishop, however, did not approve of the name.  He was indifferent to Gen. Taylor's Whip party affiliation and in beginning of 1858 had the name changed to Decatur after naval hero Stephen Decatur.  The first post office and school were established in 1857.  In 1882, the Fort Worth and Denver Railway came through Decatur.  Resources: City of Decatur Other sites you may be interested in: Thumbnail Collection of USA Water Towers Canadian Water Towers and Standpipes Magnetic Hills in the United States of America The History of the Christian Fish Symbol Home Back to Texas Index